Pease greeters provide hats to deployed troops - AARP Bulletin

Passing the Hat for the Troops

It’s a small token—a homemade hat that rests on each seat aboard the chartered flights that carry troops from the Portsmouth (N.H.) International Airport at Pease to Iraq or Afghanistan. JoAnne Schottler, 65, of Stratham, N.H., launched the hats program in November 2008. She’s distributed 5,000 hand-knit or crocheted hats to be worn under helmets, and she has another 4,000 in storage. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think this program would fly like this,” she says. The troops also find an embroidered star from a retired U.S. flag on their plane seats following a reception hosted by the Pease Greeters. The group of volunteers gather from four states, day or night, to honor inbound and outbound soldiers. Gail Curran, 55, of Sandown, N.H., adds a special message to the hats she makes. “I write that there’s a prayer for them in every stitch,” she says. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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